Gov. Schwarzenegger Signs Into Law “Outrageous” SB 1441">Gov. Schwarzenegger Signs Into Law “Outrageous” SB 1441

The following is a Press Release from the Pacific Justice Institute

Sacramento, CA—Religious liberty advocates are expressing outrage and frustration today as Governor Schwarzenegger signed into law a bill designed to greatly restrict the ability of individuals and institutions to express their religious viewpoints against homosexuality.

SB 1441, authored by lesbian State Sen. Sheila Kuehl, will implement sweeping changes into state law by adding “sexual orientation” to the list of protected classifications in state accommodation laws. California law will now require that no person be denied “full and equal access” based on sexual orientation (defined to include bisexuality) or sex (including transgender behavior) to any program or activity which is funded directly by the state or “receives any financial assistance from the state.” According to the Senate Committee Report on SB 1441, “[T]he impact of this bill is both wide-ranging and deep. It will also affect contractors with the state (such as nonprofits) where the services provided locally are directly funded by the state or where the contractor receives any financial assistance from the state.” This provision appears to be designed to stop any state funding, contracts or grants from going to religious institutions or nonprofits, such as inner-city ministries and religious schools, which hold traditional or Biblical opposition to homosexuality or transgender behavior.

Brad Dacus, president of Pacific Justice Institute, commented, “This is a dark day in California for everyone who believes in the importance of religious institutions. Governor Schwarzenegger has betrayed the trust and civil rights of Californians who hold traditional, religious opposition to certain types of sexual behavior. This declaration of open hostility and intolerance by the state will result in financial hardship to countless religious ministries, schools and service organizations. We at Pacific Justice Institute have been researching this outrageous legislation and will be preparing for the inevitable legal assault against religious institutions which it will entail.”

Please visit our website, www.pacificjustice.org , to respond to our poll question: Do you agree with Governor Schwarzenegger’s decision to sign into law SB 1441?
___________________________________________________________________________________________
The Pacific Justice Institute is a non-profit 501(c)(3) legal defense organization specializing in the defense of religious freedom, parental rights, and other civil liberties.
P.O. Box 276600
Sacramento, CA 95827-6600
Phone: (916) 857-6900 Fax (916) 857-6902
Internet: www.pacificjustice.org